Saranac Lake Youth Center needs help
To the editor:
The Saranac Lake Youth Center has served our community for 25 years. Thousands of youths have come through its doors.
A fun place for all teens to socialize, the center, most importantly, provides support for at-risk youth. The center offers computers, music, games, crafts and many structured programs. The Youth Council teaches decision-making and leadership skills. The Outing Club expands experiences through activities such as hiking, kayaking, ropes course and cross-country skiing. Through grants from the Arts Council of the Northern Adirondacks, teens develop their creative talents and have produced the murals that now adorn Nori's and Tri-Lakes Home Medical's buildings. Guest speakers, informal counseling, discussion groups, substance-use prevention programs and referrals help teens cope with the many challenges they face.
2008 has been a year of growth and change. The expanded board of directors has logged hundreds of volunteer hours to keep the center running, find a qualified director and seek essential funds. The center is open on school days from 2:30 to 6 p.m. under the guidance of the new executive director, Elizabeth Carless. She is already establishing an increased network in the community, including the middle and high schools.
Though it is common for youth centers to be municipal programs, the Saranac Lake Youth Center was started by the Ecumenical Council and operates independently. Some financial support still comes from local churches, as well as civic groups and fundraisers. Municipal funds account for about 19 percent of the budget. Unfortunately, while expenses have increased, most local funding has remained the same or even decreased. The largest funding source is the NYS Office of Child and Family Services, and state budget cuts have left the center's finances in dire straits.
The center runs on a shoestring budget. Its annual budget of $45,000 is $20,000 less than it was in 1992! The string is as taut as it can be. Our anticipated budget deficit for 2009 could be $8,000.
The Saranac Lake Youth Center is a community organization, and we look to the community for support now. The center provides a valuable service and works to expand its scope and use. As we start the new year, we are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team, as board members or volunteers. We particularly need those with grant-writing skills and fundraising experience, as we must reach out in new directions if we are to survive. Please join our wonderful team and attend our next meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Youth Center, 130 Broadway. For more information, contact the center at P.O. Box 1003, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 or call 891-5846.
Thank you to those who contributed to our recent holiday appeal, and happy new year.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Carless, Maria DeAngelo, Scott Eichholz, Debbie Erenstone, Jennifer Harry, Elizabeth Moeller, Sarah Dew Pratt, Chris Simpson, Peggy Wiltberger and Doug Zobel
Saranac Lake
